Canelo Álvarez Criticized After Arrival in Saudi Arabia

Canelo Álvarez chooses Scull as opponent

Benavídez Sr. blasts the Mexican fighter

Highly anticipated fight still not confirmed

Canelo Álvarez has once again dodged the “Red Flag.” Instead of facing mandatory challenger David Benavídez, the Mexican champion has opted to fight William Scull.

The bout is scheduled for May 3 in Saudi Arabia. The decision has not only shocked the boxing world—

—it has also infuriated the Benavídez family. José Benavídez, David’s father, did not stay silent.

He renewed his harsh criticism of Canelo for avoiding his son. He reminded the public that in 2024, the World Boxing Council (WBC) had named Benavídez the mandatory challenger.

Canelo Álvarez Avoids David Benavídez

Canelo Álvarez avoids Benavídez – PHOTO: Shutterstock

“They’re putting on a circus here, and Canelo does whatever he wants. A payday, you know? So I say, whatever Canelo says, you know, he’s just a clown in my mind, you know, all that talk, this and that,” Benavídez Sr. said in an interview with Fight Hub TV.

“Good for him. The promoters let him. It doesn’t matter what people say. They’re going to go through with it anyway,” he added, referring to how lenient organizations have been with Canelo Álvarez.

However, Canelo did not fulfill that title defense. Despite that, he did not lose his belts, according to El Diario NY.

This has caused even more frustration in Benavídez’s camp. The boxer’s father not only criticized Canelo’s refusal—

Canelo’s Opponent Also Under Fire

He also questioned William Scull’s track record. He claims the Cuban fighter lacks the credentials to face the champion.

“Scull? What the hell has he done? Who is Scull? I didn’t even know who he was,” he added.

He believes the choice was made for convenience. According to the Benavídez camp, Canelo continues to avoid facing the top fighters in his division.

But the controversy doesn’t end there. Canelo is also expected to fight Terence Crawford later this year.

While Crawford is a notable name in boxing, he does not belong to the same weight class—another decision criticized by Benavídez Sr.

He stated that Canelo would rather fight outside his division than face his son.

“So I see two easy fights for Canelo, and that’s what they want. People allow it, and the organizations allow it.

So he’s going to keep doing it. Why wouldn’t he? Like he says, he can do whatever he wants—and that’s exactly what he’s doing,” Benavídez Sr. concluded.

Canelo Álvarez Arrives in Saudi Arabia

Canelo in Riyadh

Watch #CaneloScull On May 3rd Live On Dazn PPV Powered by #Fatalfury City of the Wolves in Collaboration with @Fatalfury_pr | #Riyadhseason pic.twitter.com/3ARC8988GU

– Ring Magazine (@ringMagazine) April 15, 2025

The fight between Canelo Álvarez and David Benavídez remains without a set date. Meanwhile, the words of the “Red Flag’s” father continue to increase public pressure.

It’s worth noting that the Mexican multi-division champion has already arrived in the Saudi capital, where he is adjusting to the time zone and weather conditions.

He’s ramping up his training in this final stretch alongside his team ahead of the major bout.

Canelo was greeted with a bouquet of flowers upon arrival, as the Saudis offered a warm and relaxed welcome to the Guadalajara native.